Refinement - Definition
refinement
n 1: a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless
or impeccable quality; "they performed with great polish";
"I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"; "almost
an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is
almost art"--Joseph Conrad [syn: polish, refinement,
culture, cultivation, finish]
2: the result of improving something; "he described a refinement
of this technique" [syn: refinement, elaboration]
3: the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or
sugar etc.) [syn: refining, refinement, purification]
4: a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude;
"without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the
humor"; "don't argue about shades of meaning" [syn: nuance,
nicety, shade, subtlety, refinement]
5: the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste;
"a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his
generosity and civilization" [syn: refinement,
civilization, civilisation]